7 Washoe schools monitored by the health district

The Washoe County Health District and Washoe school district officials are continuing efforts to halt the spread of a virus that has led to illnesses in elementary schools.

The elementary schools being monitored by the Health District because of an increased number of absences related to stomach symptoms are Jessie Beck, Brown, Glenn Duncan, Katherine Dunn, Hunter Lake, Spanish Springs Elementary School and Stead, the district said in the letter to parents and families in the district:

The Washoe County Health District has determined that two viruses-norovirus and sapovirus- are the cause, the district's letter. "Both are known to cause gastro-intestinal illness and to be easily spread from person to person. This is particularly common among students in elementary schools, who have been most affected by these viruses in our community."

The following recommendations are taking effect immediately, the district's letter said:

-- Any student or staff member who is experiencing symptoms of stomach illness, with or without fever, must be excluded from school or work for 24 hours after the symptoms are resolved and may not be sent back to class or back to work prior to that time.